Population
18,339,714
capital
Quito
Language
Spanish, Quichua, English
currency
US dollar
Flight time
14 hours and 45 minutes from the UK
time difference
UTC/GMT -5 hours
best time to go
Dec-Jan / Apr-May
Introducing Ecuador
Ecuador has an incredible range of landscapes for such a small nation, from tremendous volcanoes and beautiful rainforests to towering cloud forests and gorgeous beaches. The cultural attractions are as impressive, with imperial cathedrals coexisting with Inca fortresses, captivating indigenous tribes still living traditional ways, and vibrant marketplaces regarded as the greatest on the continent.
Quito’s historic core is a UNESCO World Heritage site with some of the best-preserved historic buildings in South America. It’s one of the most attractive cities in the Americas, with gorgeous churches and cathedrals, magnificent ancient mansions, and a spectacular mountain landscape.
Recommended Ecuador Specialists
Recommended Experiences in Ecuador
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Top Locations in Ecuador
Quito
Explore the picturesque small cobbled alleyways of the capital's Old Town, gaze into the plazas, and wonder at the majestic churches.
When you're ready to discover the modern features of the capital, head to the trendy district of the New Town. Enjoy the day perusing the art galleries and craft shops, whilst taking in all the culture and beauty of your surroundings.
Cotopaxi
In addition to being one of the most stunning volcanoes in South America, Cotopaxi is also inhabited by wild horses, llamas, foxes, and the magnificent Andean condor in its adjacent national park. The 33,400 hectares of park, which is approximately two hours from the capital, is home to bears and pumas that are seldom seen and offers animal encounters that are second only to those in the Galápagos Islands.
Ingapirca
The Temple of the Sun is the primary draw of the Ingapirca Ruins. The site's most preserved monument is its ceremonial focal point. The carefully aligned stones spiral up beautifully to form a cylindrical tower, which is distinguished by a guard standing watch at the top.
Amazon Rainforest
The Amazon Rainforest, which spans a sizable portion of eastern Ecuador, is home to numerous Amazon River rivers. You may go piranha fishing, look for pink river dolphins, visit a native shaman, and seek to encounter anacondas in the Ecuadorian Amazon.